The Isolation of the Dog

The subject of this article will turn up their nose at several persons, but I feel the need to write it down because so many times I read articles about medical or behavioral problems that may have as a basis the environmental and social isolation of the dog.  I don't want to replace dog educators or vets, so this topic will be approached for information only and if any of you have really interest in improving the quality of life for your dog, I invite you to contact a skilled educator.

I hope that this article will be an inducementand I'm sorry if someone can feel offended but I think to the dogs, not to people;)  Have a good read.

First of all, unfortunately, there are no laws that consider the social isolation of a pet as something illegal. And this is a shame because we would better understand how bad is that. I prefer to see a dog in the garden rather than a dog alone at home (in an open space maybe he can find something to distract him), but in both cases, if the dog stays many hours alone he is ISOLATED anyway. A dog is isolated if he is obliged to stay in a box, a balcony, a room, a House, a backyard, etc etc. Dog hates the lonliness anh he is an animal that need to interact through the movement, exploration, the nose, the eyes, the ears with the surrounding environment. It's also an isolation when you keep your dog in your pocket or in the buggy (except if it's a puppy that has not yet been vaccinated or a dog with special problems). Do you have an old dog? He cannot move? You should look for a calm and suitable place and you get it down, even if he will not walk or run he will enjoy the environment and could smell what he wants.

Many people say to me: "when I get home I play with him for a long time!!" Ok, it is good but... do you speak the same language of your dog?? How do you know if your dog wants to play again or if he wants to go for a walk? I tell you, you are the one who decides when to stop walking or throwing the ball. Unfortunately the dog does not only need this, a dog also needs to stay with his playmates!! You will see that he will be a much more balanced dog.

But I can understand you, you have read this thousands of times and you say: " I do what I can, but I do not have time". Then I'll give you some information about the physical and psychological state of your dog.

Behavioral problems and psychological

• barking without reason
• anxiety, anxiety from detachment, and problems to be left alone
• problems during the rare walks or trips in the car
• get dirty where it should not
• problems of handling of food (lack of appetite, “whims”)
• aggression towards people and other animals
• lethargy (bored!)
• hyperactivity disorder(bored!).

However, I invite you to always ask an educator if your dog seems to be "spoiled" or has behaviors that you do not like. You have to work mainly on you and then with the dog. The dog is NOT spoiled, NOT whimsical, it is NOT disgusting, it is NOT an asshole. You are the cause

Let's go to the physical and health problems:

Vitamin D deficiency
In a dog that does not see the Sun, and this also happens to the person, there is a lack of vitamin D. vitamin D only works if activated by the Sun. What is the vitamin D? It serves to assimilate the calcium that is taken in the diet. If you take the calcium with a commercial food or home-made the dog does not have enough activated vitamin D, it is like if you give nothing to him! So it is useless to give supplements of vitamin D or calcium. But what happens  if vitamin D is missing?? May appear heart problems, cognitive problems, bone pain, lethargy, muscle weakness. In a long time problems can be even more severe as the onset of autoimmune diseases and serious heart disease as well as osteoporosis.

depigmentation of the truffle
Is a frequent symptom during the winter, but must be seen as an alarm bell. Your dog does NOT walk out enough. Do not run to buy a miraculous chemical supplement , consult your vet and, after excluding other pathologies, get him out more!

skin problems and allergies
In addition, there are more and more allergy to mites and molds due to the fact that they are too close to these allergens in the houses. However, in all cases of environmental allergies, a healthy dog that lives outdoors in a healthy way suffers less problems of a locked dog (the immune system suffers DEPTH of the moods and if the dog is depressed for isolation and Vitamin D deficiency, make sure you get sick or become allergic!).

overweight
The movement and interaction help the dog in losing weight. This is because it increases the amount of energy used during the day and because serotonin is being produced, which is involved in maintaining the proper body weight.

skin cancer
According to recent studies, a proper exposure to the sun prevents skin cancer.

digestive problems
The stress caused by being imprisoned and the anxiety of staying alone causes some digestive problems.

work
We all work, and except for those who do part time, eight hours are the least. How do I fix it? I do not say that every day the dog has to go out three or four times, (certainly it would be better, but it is not always possible). You should find half an hour  in the evening or in the morning to take your dog and indulge in a relaxing walk. This is a good habit for him and for you too. On Sundays, instead of being locked in front of the PC and the TV, a long walk for everyone! If you have the possibility, there are also dog nurseries and dog sitter, who can help you during the working days.

the dog gets dirty

Ok, I'll give you a hint: you have taken a dog not a stuffed animal. Dogs, like children, MUST get DIRTY!  And then if the dog needs to sleep with you, water and apple cider vinegar or a mild detergent on fur and paws and they are like new, now they can sleep with you. The dog gathers with paws exactly what you collect with the shoes! You have no idea of the crap that your shoes bring into the home! Meditate... who is more dirty? (among other things, dogs often after a walk, clean their feet, unlike us!). A fine example comes to us from the japanese culture where you must leave the shoes at the entrance.

the dog can catch diseases
It is part of life. If you do not want to take up the diseases do the vaccines regularly. The more you keep it in the house, the more his immune system will weaken and he'll get sick easily that only time that comes out!

the dog can be attacked by other dogs

If you have a small dog choose quiet areas, avoid crowded dog areas and be careful only. It can happen, but with a little of care nothing happens. In any case, big or small dog always on the leash to avoid unpleasant consequences.

One last thought, do not take another dog with the sole purpose of isolating two. It's true that two dogs can became real companion, but they have the same need to go out! 🙂

The note is not of course exhaustive, it does not solve your problems, for some it will be the same”impossible” to find ten minutes ...but I felt obliged to write it for the wellness of our 4 legged friends.

Di Barera Annalisa - fonte: gruppo facebook “alimentazione a 4 zampe”